Appleton Museum Opens Two Exhibitions in November

(OCALA, Fla.) Oct. 2, 2012 — The opening of two temporary exhibitions — “The Nature of Things” and “Sendak & Co.” — are among the special highlights scheduled in November at the Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida. Other programs include an After Hours Nov. 1 with the Southern Express Orchestra performing hits of the big band era, a “Fashion and History” docent tour Nov. 29 and weekly educational art films on Sundays.

Daily admission to the Appleton Museum is $6 for adults; $4 for seniors 55 or better and students 19 and over; $3 for youth ages 10-18; and free for members, CF students, children age 9 and under, and active military personnel and their immediate families.

Opening Nov. 3, “The Nature of Things: The Art of Ed Smith” features 21 large-scale oil paintings in the Balcony Gallery. Each piece depicts wildlife’s struggle to survive as it clashes with technology and the modern world. Following on Nov. 18 is “Sendak & Co.: Children’s Book Illustrations Since ‘Where the Wild Things Are’.” Presented are original drawings by 34 of some of the best-known names in children’s book illustration such as Chris Van Allsburg, Leo and Diane Dillon, Brian Selznick and Mo Willems. Appleton Curator Ruth Grim said, “This exhibition has taken on a new significance since Maurice Sendak passed away earlier this year, and it is timely that the Appleton is honoring this brilliant artist and many of today’s children’s book illustrators who were inspired by him.”

Programs starting Nov. 1 include a “Drawing in the Galleries” adult art education workshop from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by that evening’s After Hours starring the Southern Express Orchestra performing big band classics by Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and others from 5 to 8 p.m. Horse and Hounds Restaurant provides complimentary light hors d’oeuvres and the Ocala Art Group offers art demonstrations. Admission is free for members and $8 for yet-to-be members.

The Appleton’s popular monthly docent-led tours continue Nov. 29 with “Fashion and History.” The tour is free for members and included in admission for yet-to-be members. The Appleton’s Educational Art Film Series is presented in the Auditorium on Sundays and the CF International Film Series shows “Cave of Forgotten Dreams” (Ireland) Nov. 13. All films begin at 2 p.m.

In addition, the Appleton Museum of Art offers a permanent collection of European, American and Contemporary art, plus Asian, African, Islamic and pre-Columbian artifacts and antiquities. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays and closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. A 12-month membership is available for $25 for seniors 55 and over, $30 for adults 18 and over, $40 for two seniors over age 55, $50 for a family of two adults and any children under age 18, and $15 for all college students and current or retired educators. Owned and operated by College of Central Florida, the Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on SR40 (exit 352 east off I-75 or exit 268 west off I-95). For more information call the Appleton Museum of Art at 352-291-4455 or visit www.AppletonMuseum.org.